Russia-+Benson,+Setter+B2


 * Russia Project- Bennett Benson, Cole Setter. Block 2 **

**__The Land__** // Mountains and Plateaus //

Mt. Elbrus is the highest point in Russia, at 18,510 feet above sea level. It is considered an inactive volcano at this point. Ascents of the mountain are encouraged and very common. The annual death toll average is 15-30, and is mostly from unprepared climbers. // Plains //

Taking up a large portion of the center of Russia is the Russian Plain, or the Eastern European Plain. To the east is the West Siberian Plain, which is one of the world’s largest areas of flatland. // Water Systems //

Lake Baikal is the deepest freshwater lake in the world, and it provides 1/5 of the world’s freshwater supply. The Siberian river systems are among the largest river systems in the world. The rivers of Russia provide good water for irrigation also. **__ Climate & Vegetation __** // Climate //

The tundra takes up most of the landscape, as it lies mostly in the Arctic Circle. The largest climate region is the Subarctic, with some of the world’s coldest temperatures. Most of the North European Plain has a humid continental climate. // Vegetation //

The subarctic region mostly supports the taiga, a forest belt that covers 2/5 of Western Russia, and extends over most of Siberia. The chernozem soil is good soil for any plant to do well. **__ Population & Culture __** // Population //

75%of Russians live in Western Russia, due to the rich soil, waterways, and a warmer climate than Eastern Russia. Western Russia is home to the country’s most industrialized cities, like Moscow. Urbanization has decreased as of late, however. // Culture //

Among Russia's most popular leisure activities are tennis, track and field, and the very popular Russian ice hockey team. The standard of living is extremely high, education is required for 9 years, and literacy rates are fairly high. // Ethnicities //

Russia is one of the most diverse countries in the world, and has over 70 ethnic groups. There are over 100 languages spoken in Russia. The most common ethnicities are Russian, Caucasian, and Turkic. **__ History & Government __** // Early History //

In the early settlement of western Russia, people who fled from battle made a settlement that is now Moscow. Ivan the Terrible is known for being the first czar of Russia, and brought change, which didn't fare so well, considering his name. // Movement for Change // With the fall of the Soviet Union and then communism brought a lot of change to Russia. Since, they have switched to a market economy, and brought forth a democracy.

**__ Economy __** // Transportation and Communications // Railroads are the most common mode of transportation in Russia, with travel by car being one of the least used modes. Travel by air is growing also. // Trade & Interdependence //

Russia has the 8th largest economy in the world, and has trade relations with 191 countries across the world. It has been said that Russia is on the verge of being a world superpower.

// Natural Resources //

Russia provides 20% of the world's natural gas and oil and has huge reserves of both. It also provides a large amount of of the world's iron ore and coal. **__ Global Issues __** // WWII //

Russia took a small part in WWII, and their brutal cold was their best weapon. German soldiers were unprepared, their equipment stopped working, and they often starved. // Chernobyl //     In April of 1986, a fire broke out on a reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Plant, leaving an enormous cloud of radiation over Ukraine, Europe, and Russia. It led to thousands of deaths from direct radiation and millions more affected by it.